Hyperlipidemia is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by elevated levels of lipids (fats) in the blood.
Certain hyperlipidemias have a genetic basis, originating from the inheritance of an abnormal gene, which is the unit of hereditary material. Additionally, hyperlipidemias can be linked to other disorders, such as hypothyroidism (a condition of reduced thyroid gland activity), diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, or Cushing’s syndrome (characterized by elevated levels of corticosteroid hormones in the blood). Occasionally, they may also be triggered by the usage of corticosteroid medications.
Hyperlipidemias are categorized based on the types of lipids that have increased levels in the bloodstream. Lipids are transported in the blood in various forms, primarily as cholesterol and triglycerides bound to protein molecules, forming lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are differentiated by their density, which is determined by the relative proportions of cholesterol and protein. A higher proportion of cholesterol results in lower lipoprotein density. Hyperlipidemias are mainly contributed to by elevated levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs). High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) do not play a role in this condition.
Hyperlipidemias are linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of arteries due to the buildup of fatty deposits, and coronary artery disease.
The symptoms of hyperlipidemia vary depending on the specific type. They may include the presence of fatty yellow nodules on the skin, particularly on the back of the hands, around the ankles’ tendons, and on the wrist joints. Additionally, a white line may appear around the cornea of the eye, and some individuals may experience abdominal pain.
Diagnosis is established through blood tests. Treatment aims to lower blood lipid levels, typically involving weight loss, a low-fat diet, and lipid-lowering medications. Early intervention can decrease the likelihood of a heart attack. It’s important to note that inherited hyperlipidemias have no known cure.